World Series thoughts: Pujols’ power, Bush’s first pitch and more

1. The Cardinals scored more runs last night than the Astros did in the 2005 World Series. 16-14.

2. It is impossible to count the ways in which the Rangers find themselves in trouble, but here’s yet another one. By starting their three lefties, Matt Harrison (Game 3), Derek Holland (Game 4) and C.J. Wilson (Game 5), at home, they have given Tony La Russa free use of Allen Craig’s bat in the lineup.

Craig, who had 219 plate appearances this year, had a 1.000 OPS against lefties and a .875 OPS against righties with balls in play numbers that may indicate an even bigger gulf. Since they use the DH in Arlington but not in St. Louis, it helps La Russa get Craig into the game without having to sacrifice Lance Berkman, albeit Berkman from his weaker side.

3. The Rangers aren’t the only ones trying to get back on track tonight. So too is former President George W. Bush, who has hit a bit of a rut with the home teams for which he has thrown the first pitch.

He got off to a 2-0 start after being elected president, opening Miller Park with a Brewers win and famously throwing a perfect strike in an emotional gathering at Yankee Stadium two months after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

But in lighter times, the home teams have lost 5 out of the last 6 major league games with the Nationals Park opener the exception.

I have no idea whether it was the best World Series performance ever. Does the ballpark matter, does the blowout matter, totally subjective.

But I know that the two ways I’m not going to measure his performance. I won’t elevate it because of RBIs — those shots were just as impressive regardless of what his teammates did ahead of him — and I won’t diminish it because of what the other Cardinals were able to do to build that lead.

Color me still incredibly impressed.

6. Not saying I expect the Cardinals to win tonight, but they’re listed as a +165 underdog (bet $100 to win $165 and collect $265)? I’m not saying I pick them to win, as I had the Rangers in 7 going in, but that’s awfully steep in an Edwin Jackson-Derek Holland matchup, especially if you believe in some sort of carryover.